Local Indie Band Islands Returns with ‘AFTERMATH’: A Haunting Take on Rebound Relationships

By Aqasha Nalani  •  03 Mar 2025 in Music

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After a three-year break following their debut album CHANGES, local indie band Islands has recently made their comeback with their latest single, ‘AFTERMATH‘.

The nearly five-minute track dives deep into the toxicity of rebounds, exploring the emotional turmoil of being someone’s temporary escape after a breakup.

A theme familiar within the Gen-Z dating scene, the song captures the feeling of being disposable

“Jump to one more then to the next, just to kill the switch and get rid of the hex,” sings Islands’ lead vocalist, highlighting the cycle of fleeting connections and unresolved emotions.

In the next line, the band also touches on self-destructive coping mechanisms, referencing bad habits like starting to smoke cigarettes and ignoring friends’ advice—a relatable portrayal of unhealthy ways people try to heal.

Though escapism might feel good at first, the song later reveals that these toxic behaviours only lead to a more painful healing process.

Sonically, ‘AFTERMATH’ features a repetitive vocal background—almost like a friend repeating their advice—blending with signature indie rock elements to create an easy listening experience.

Perfect for a late-night drive or playing in the background while watching a friend make questionable decisions post-breakup, ‘AFTERMATH’ delivers both introspection and relatability.

Originally written by Izelan Shahier in early 2024, the song was later refined by the full band—Sarah Shaharin, Yazid J, and Faiq Lutfi—before emerging as the finished track it is today.

With its raw lyricism, ‘AFTERMATH’ marks a new chapter for the band as they re-emerge with a sound that’s both relatable and introspective.

Stream ‘AFTERMATH’ on Spotify here: